The Ongoing Trauma of Digital Abuse: A Call for Change
The endless digital afterlife of abuse
The Indian Express
Image: The Indian Express
Recent cases involving sexual abuse in India highlight the ongoing trauma faced by victims due to the viral circulation of abuse videos. The legal system often fails to protect victims, leading to secondary victimization. This raises critical questions about how to better support victims and address the lasting impact of digital abuse.
- 01Viral abuse videos exacerbate trauma for victims and contribute to ongoing harassment.
- 02The legal system often fails to support victims, leading to secondary victimization.
- 03Only a small fraction of victims report abuse due to fear of societal stigma.
- 04Recent court initiatives aim to combat the spread of abuse imagery but require victim involvement.
- 05There is a pressing need for trauma-informed approaches to assist victims of digital abuse.
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The recent arrests of Ashok Kumar Kharat, a godman in Nashik, and Soham Naik, the son of a Goa Counsellor, highlight the disturbing trend of sexual abuse facilitated by proximity to power. These cases echo the ongoing trauma faced by victims, particularly as videos of their abuse circulate online, leading to what has been termed 'crimes in perpetuity.' The violence of sexual abuse extends beyond the physical act to include the recording and sharing of these acts, which further traumatizes victims. Despite the chilling effect of such videos, only a small number of victims, approximately four out of 100, reported their experiences, often due to fear of societal stigma and potential ostracization. The legal system frequently exacerbates this trauma, with police often disbelieving victims and courts subjecting them to humiliating questioning. While some Indian high courts have issued John Doe orders to combat the viral spread of abuse imagery, these measures require victims to actively seek justice, leading to further trauma. The article raises critical questions about how to better support victims and protect their rights in the digital age, emphasizing the need for a more trauma-informed legal approach.
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The ongoing circulation of abuse videos creates a hostile environment for victims, deterring them from seeking justice and exposing them to further harassment.
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